As we approach summer, you don’t just have barbecues and vacations to plan for. Increased temperatures and sun exposure can also rear their heads and lead to increased heat exhaustion, especially on outdoor heavy-duty project sites. As most professionals already know, extreme heat is bad news for everyone and can lead to injury, accidents, and reduced efficiency.
According to OSHA and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 3,300 heat-related injuries and illnesses occur every year, and nearly 34,000 days away from work are due to exposure. The bottom line: staying cool and out of the heat matters.
Why is it important to watch for heat exhaustion?
Heat exhaustion is the initial stage of heatstroke. It indicates that the body can’t cool itself down, which can be a major issue for your brain and other internal organs if left unchecked. The human body is conditioned to work properly between 97-97 F, and higher temperatures can lead to permanent damage.
While you’re on the job site, it’s important to monitor for heat exhaustion symptoms like thirst, nausea, cold skin, weakness, heavy sweating, dizziness and fainting. If left untreated, workers could experience brain damage, organ failure or even death. Symptoms can also lead to inefficient, dangerous work, which can increase the possibility of accidents.
So how do you head off heat exhaustion before it even starts? Check out our top 10 tips below.
Tips for Avoiding Heat Exposure
Stay hydrated!
One of the best ways to avoid heat exhaustion – and your first line of defense – is by hydrating all day. Always make sure you have enough water, and don’t forget to mix in gatorade or other drinks that replenish electrolytes. It’s hard to catch up with thirst, so don’t neglect your body’s needs.
Eat light, cool meals
If it’s sunny and 99 F, it’s going to be a good idea to skip the buffet. Large, heavy meals can slow you down and often contain high salt and sugar levels. These substances affect the pH balance of your bloodstream, causing your body to transfer stored water from your cells into your blood to maintain equilibrium. Long story short: you get thirsty and dehydrated
Instead of a heavy high-protein diet, consider eating a lighter sandwich or wrap for lunch. Chase it down with fruits or vegetables for extra hydration, and try to avoid too many salty or sweet snacks on the side.
Use the Buddy System
Sometimes it can be hard for frontline workers to admit when they need to stop. Implementing a buddy system can help your crew watch out for each other. If someone is suffering from heat-related symptoms, their buddy can get them the help they need.
Work in the Shade
Not every job site has adequate shade, but getting out of the sun is essential for keeping your body temperature low. Working while exposed can also lead to skin cancer thanks to UV rays. If you don’t have access to overhead cover, consider purchasing pop-up shade or working in rotations.
Take Breaks
Your daily responsibilities might be important, but nobody should be expected to be an Iron Man. Plan regular breaks into your schedule to make sure nobody suffers from overexposure or exhaustion. Most states require short rest breaks every few hours, but consider increasing the frequency when it’s too hot.
Be mindful of protective gear
Hard hats, boots and other personal protective equipment are required for safety in most high-risk industries. They can also be really hot. Be sure to take off your gear during breaks so you can cool off. If you have water to spare, you can even fill your hard hat for a quick splash of relief. Some PPE can also come equipped with auxiliary cooling systems, which may provide relief during hot days.
Wear clothes appropriate for the heat
Aside from protective gear, you need to make sure you’re wearing clothing that isn’t too heavy and offers proper ventilation. Hoodies might be ok to wear in the early morning, but make sure to take it off as the day warms up. Wear t-shirts or light, breathable button-ups to stay cool and limit how much you’re sweating. Don’t forget to bring a fresh shirt too – damp, sweaty clothes can lead to uncomfortable rashes.
Wear sunscreen
As previously mentioned, working in the sun can lead to UV exposure, skin cancer, and painful sunburns. Make sure to get strong, long-lasting sunscreen to keep your neck, face, and arms safe, especially if you’re working in exposed areas like roadways or building sites.
Work early, leave early
Early to bed, early to rise doesn’t just keep you healthy and wise – it can protect you from the height of the summer heat. If possible, schedule your crew’s labor earlier in the day when it’s cool. Once it heats up in the afternoon, call it a day so everyone can hydrate, rest and get back indoors. It may even be an option to divide your work day between the morning and evening, giving your workers more time to recuperate out of the sun.
Refuse work if you don’t feel safe
According to OSHA, workers have the right to discuss any unsafe working conditions with their employer, including extreme heat. If these workers feel their concerns aren’t met and they can’t be assigned to a safer project, employers are required to send their employees home until the danger has been addressed.
It’s important to note that this should ALWAYS be a last resort, and you should review union rights and state laws to determine the ins and outs or your rights. Some states, like Texas or Florida, have eliminated mandated water and heat breaks for construction workers. Legislation could affect employees’ options for staying safe at work, so it’s always important to keep an open dialogue with employers to make sure everyone is getting home safely.
How to treat heat stroke
Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, a crew member might be affected by heatstroke. In the event someone is suffering from extreme exposure and is struggling to maintain consciousness, follow these first aid steps.
- Cool the person down.
- Protect them from the sun.
- Keep them awake and breathing.
- Call 911.
Summer may be brief, but these next few months can be brutal if you aren’t keeping an eye on working conditions. Stay safe, look out for each other, and do what you can to beat the heat. For more heavy-duty safety tips, visit our blog today.
